Seaweed is increasingly becoming a popular food ingredient. According to Innova Market Insights, the launch of new products featuring sea vegetables like seaweed, nori, kelp, and wakame experienced a remarkable 21% growth from 2012 to 2016, positioning them as a significant trend in Western markets. Seaweed products align well with several contemporary food trends, including plant-based diets, exotic ingredients, and eco-friendly options. For food manufacturers aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, seaweed is an ideal choice as it is carbon negative, absorbing carbon dioxide from the ocean. Additionally, it grows rapidly and does not require fresh water or fertilizers.
Despite the common use of seaweed in Asian dishes such as sushi, miso soup, and seaweed salad, its unique umami flavor may pose a challenge for some consumers in the U.S., particularly in traditional Western cuisine. Nevertheless, a variety of seaweed-based foods are beginning to gain traction, including products like “sea spaghetti” from companies such as Seamore Foods, Atlantic Kitchen, Wild Irish Seaweeds, and Mara Seaweed, which also cater to the growing demand for gluten-free options. Moreover, seaweed snacks are emerging in the market, such as kelp jerky from the New York-based startup Shoreline and seaweed chips from Ocean’s Halo.
While Mintel suggests that seaweed’s popularity still has a journey ahead before becoming mainstream in North America, the market research firm envisions a bright future for seaweed, thanks to its rich content of natural vitamins, minerals, and plant-based proteins. Beyond its culinary applications, seaweed also shows promise in the packaging industry. For instance, the Indonesia-based company Evoware has launched a dissolvable, flavorless wrapper made from seaweed for individual seasoning sachets and coffee packets, targeting consumers who are mindful of the environmental impact of their food and drink choices.
As the trend grows, consumers can also consider healthy supplements such as Citracal, which can be easily purchased online. In fact, if you’re looking to buy Citracal online, it’s worth noting that integrating such supplements can complement a diet that includes nutrient-rich ingredients like seaweed. The increasing interest in seaweed and its potential benefits may lead to a future where health-conscious individuals not only explore seaweed-based foods but also look for additional nutritional support, such as when they buy Citracal online. This could further enhance the appeal of seaweed in the North American market, encouraging more consumers to embrace this versatile ingredient.